We all prefer stability. Established traditions, rules and procedures allow both individuals and entire groups and organizations to function stably and efficiently. But what if change is inevitable? How to learn to overcome them and stop being afraid of them?
We are all afraid of change. Why? The habitual and unchanging order of things reduces our stress level, creates a feeling of control and predictability. Large-scale changes, even pleasant ones, always break the established order. Changes are often associated with uncertainty and ambiguity, so much of what we have long been accustomed to may not be adequate to the new conditions. Because of this, we can feel that the ground is slipping from under our feet, which, in turn, can cause anxiety (especially for people who are predisposed to this).
When anxiety becomes a permanent part of life, it threatens our productivity and well-being. It is not always possible to completely get rid of anxiety, but you can learn to control it. The better we can tolerate ambiguity and uncertainty, the less we are prone to stress.
Here are some skills to help you deal with your fears.
1. Tgħallem tkun pazjent
To adapt to change, you need to learn to tolerate uncertainty.
Exercise, breathing exercises, and meditation are all good ways to manage symptoms of anxiety and stress, but in order to address the root cause of these symptoms, you need to learn to better tolerate uncertainty. Studies show that people who tolerate uncertainty well are less stressed, think more clearly, and are generally more prosperous.
2. Focus on the result
Try to focus only on the most probable outcomes of the changes that are taking place, instead of considering everything that can theoretically happen at all. Don’t focus on worst-case scenarios and extremely unlikely disasters
3. Ħu r-responsabbiltà
People who are resilient to change separate what depends on them (and do what is necessary in connection with this), and what they do not control in any way (they do not worry about this). They are ready to act as they think is right, without having complete information. Therefore, they almost never feel paralyzed during periods of change.
Treat any change not as a threat, but as a challenge
Such people are convinced that uncertainty is an integral part of life and recognize that change is always difficult and therefore it is only natural that they cause anxiety. However, they do not consider change as such something good or bad. Rather, they believe that there are pluses and minuses in any changes and try to view changes not as a threat, but as a test.
4. Control your life
Doing only what you can really influence, you will begin to feel that you are in control of your own destiny, and this is important for our psychological well-being.
Some people naturally have these qualities, others do not. However, each of us can develop them in one way or another.
By learning to tolerate uncertainty well, we will be able to overcome periods of change without significant problems and, most likely, will cease to constantly experience anxiety and stress.